I don't want to leave Ireland.

I know it may be a little premature to be worrying about going home as I am yet only half way done with my program, but even the thought just makes me so sad. I don't want to go home. Sure, I miss my family, my friends, and of course my cat, Pangur Ban, but I just love it here and I can't help it. Maybe you all should just move here?!?

I love everything about Ireland. Everything is beautiful and a million shades of green. The weather is unpredictable and it often rains while sunshining much to my curiosity, but it all just makes it more delightful. The pubs are so old and charming with their walls made from stone and wood. They feel ancient and I'm sure house a million stories. I love the music here as well and it is everywhere. Galway is known to be a very artsy city, but never have I been surrounded by more musicians and street performers. Everywhere you go musical notes waft from the pub doors onto the street, mingling with the noise of the crowds and performers outside playing for your spare change.

The people are truly what make Ireland and Galway the magical place that it is. Though frequently harangued by the taxi drivers on American politics and their dissatisfaction with the current administration, the majority of people are overwhelmingly friendly. When at the bar, the bar tender doesn't ask you if you want anything, instead they look at you and say "are you okay?" It always makes me giggle a little as that is my cue to order. When they serve your drinks you are given a friendly, "cheers!" Instead of "excuse me" here everyone just says "sorry." And if you you're the one uttering the "sorry" it is always met with a "no worries." The phrase I hear most often when checking out at any retail store is "thanks a million!" Amanda and I are fortunate to meet many people when we go out. I think our tan skin draws us some attention (everyone here is pale!) and we use that to our advantage. People are always eager to talk to us and find out what we are doing in Galway and whether or not we are having a good time. Galway city is very welcoming indeed. I have also come to the conclusion that every Irishman knows the details of Boston metro. As Amanda is from Boston, she is always met with a "where abouts in Boston?" much to my surprise. Even more surprising is that when she tells them specifically what part of Boston, they are always familiar. I, on the other hand, am not entirely certain that even a small percent of the Irish know where the State of Minnesota is located in the Union. If they are familiar, I am usually met with a "that's by Chicago, isn't it?" I usually just stick with, "It's by Canada." Or, if I don't feel like explaining I'll just say that I am from Boston as well. Thinking about it, there are a lot of Irish people running around thinking that I am from Boston, but that's okay, what do they care anyway?

In any case, I love it here. I still have three weeks to go so I'm not going to worry just yet, but it makes me sad to see the time flying by so quickly. This truly is an experience of a lifetime.